H&M pull range of kids socks because it includes squiggle that looks like Allah written upside down in Arabic

The recall comes just weeks after the company was at the heart of a race row when they had a black child model a hoodie emblazoned with the phrase 'Coolest Monkey in the Jungle'

By Guy Birchall

29th January 2018, 1:05 pm

Updated: 29th January 2018, 5:06 pm

H&M has pulled a range of socks following claims a pattern on them resembles the Arabic word for Allah upside-down.

The Swedish clothing firm announced the recall of the line which also depicts a Lego workman figure holding a jackhammer.

H&M have pulled a pair of socks from the shelves following complaints as squiggle looks like the Arabic word for 'Allah'. The Arabic for 'Allah' is seen here on the left

H&M has insisted that while the pattern “looks like ‘Allah’ in Arabic”, it is “entirely a coincidence” it has happened.

It comes just weeks after the high street fashion giant was accused of racism over an ad featuring a black kid wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the phrase “coolest monkey in the jungle”.

According to Swedish state radio SVT, Petra Buchinger, a press officer at H&M said: “The print on the sock depicting a Lego figure, which looks like "Allah" in Arabic, is entirely a coincidence, but because our customers have complained, we have chosen to recall the items.”

Earlier this month the chain was embroiled in a race row over the “Coolest Monkey” hoodie that sparked a backlash from Man Utd ace Romelu Lukaku, singer The Weeknd and NBA star LeBron James.

H&M has insisted that while the pattern 'looks like Allah in Arabic', it is “entirely a coincidence” it has happened.

Now the £7.99 top has been pulled from shelves and the Swedish firm has issued a grovelling apology on its website and Instagram.

The statement reads: "We would like to put on record our position in relation to the controversial image of our hoodie.

"Our position is simple - we have got this wrong and we are deeply sorry.

"This incident is accidental in nature, but this doesn't mean we don't take it extremely seriously or understand the upset and discomfort it has caused."

PA:Press Association

This latest storm comes just weeks after the firm caused an international outcry after a black model was pictured in a hoodie that said 'Coolest Monkey in the Jungle'